Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionSaudi national shipping carrier Bahri posted a net profit of SR5.09 billion ($1.36 billion) for the third quarter of 2026, up 890.7% year on year. The performance was driven primarily by oil transport operations as tanker rates on the route from the Middle East Gulf to China hit an all-time high. Revenue for the period increased by 503.7% to SR14.83 billion.
The Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF) launched the 2026 China-Arab Business & Investment Report during the Investopia Bridge 2026 forum in Abu Dhabi. Jointly produced with Investopia and backed by HSC Asset Management, the report tracks bilateral cooperation across traditional industries and emerging technologies. SIEF also announced a strategic climate resilience partnership with the World Bank.
The UAE Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority have reminded businesses generating Dh50 million or more in annual revenue to appoint an Accredited Service Provider by October 30, 2026. Non-compliant firms face monthly administrative penalties of Dh5,000. Full mandatory e-invoicing for this group will take effect on January 1, 2027, followed by smaller firms later that year.
Active Chinese corporate memberships in Dubai Chambers reached 6,650 by September 2026, marking an increase of over 200 percent over a decade. Concurrently, UAE sovereign investor Mubadala reaffirmed China as an anchor of its Asian direct investment strategy amidst strengthening bi-directional capital flows.
The 46th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and 29th electronicAsia attracted over 61,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions. More than 3,200 exhibitors presented advanced artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, and electronic components. Chinese Mainland tech companies and start-ups leveraged the platform to secure global commercial leads, including interest from Middle East clients.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has held its base rate on overnight deposit facilities at 3.9 percent. The decision follows the US Federal Reserve's move to keep its interest rate on reserve balances unchanged. The UAE regulator also maintained the borrowing rate for short-term liquidity at 50 basis points above the base rate.
The Abu Dhabi Residence Office confirmed that foreign nationals on entry visas can convert to a UAE residence permit without exiting the country. Most 60-day entry visas may be extended twice by 30 days for up to 120 days of total stay, providing time to complete residency procedures. Overstaying carries a daily fine of AED 100, which takes effect after a 10-day grace period.
International procurement executives and Gulf commercial delegations gathered in Guangzhou on October 27, 2026, for the 140th China Import and Export Fair. UAE and global buyers assessed supplier compliance, pricing, and manufacturing capacity across machinery, sustainable energy, and commercial goods. The event highlighted expanded participation from Belt and Road partner countries.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
BYD has officially named its upcoming Yangwang flagship luxury electric sedan the Altior for overseas markets and Dingyao in China, following confirmation of an unveiling in the United Arab Emirates. Teaser imagery reveals coach doors and a roof-mounted lidar sensor, while technical specifications, launch pricing, and exact schedules remain unconfirmed by the carmaker. Media reports indicate an estimated Dubai reveal around November 5 with an unverified price tag near $300,000.
China-UAE Investment Cooperation Fund, L.P. filed its quarterly Form 13F-HR report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the period ended September 30, 2026. The filing was registered on October 28, 2026, according to a notice from StreetInsider. Form 13F filings provide quarterly transparency into U.S.-listed equity holdings held by institutional investment managers.
Chinese mobility firm ARIDGE, an affiliate of XPENG, delivered its Land Aircraft Carrier test aircraft to the UAE under an agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority. The modular unit will undergo flight tests in the emirate's advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox. Initial trials will evaluate airspace safety protocols, emergency rescue scenarios, and aerial tourism applications.
Chinese enterprises have launched several technology, infrastructure, and energy initiatives across the UAE and the wider Gulf region. Key developments include Aridge flight tests and UBTech robotics trials in Ras Al Khaimah, alongside major real estate and energy agreements in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Regional bodies also pledged streamlined commercial regulations and advanced bilateral investment dialogue.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Finance & Investment
The seventh Arab Competition Forum opened in Dubai on October 28, 2026, focusing on competition policy and consumer protection in the digital economy. Co-organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and international bodies, the forum highlighted the modernization of UAE competition law. Discussions focused on managing the commercial impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
Energy & Sustainability
The 12th World Green Economy Summit in Dubai reported that outstanding GCC green sukuk and bonds have reached $73 billion. GCC issuers accounted for approximately 40 percent of emerging market US-dollar ESG debt outside China during the first nine months of 2026. Multilateral experts highlighted the UAE's capital reserves and policy frameworks for advancing green hydrogen exports and heavy industry decarbonisation.
Finance & Investment
Abu Dhabi Global Market has issued formal guidance establishing commercial licensing and governance rules for crypto mining businesses. Under the framework, mining operations fall under the direct regulatory oversight of the Registration Authority. The guidelines separate physical mining operations from financial activities regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chairman of Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, visited Dragon Mart on October 28, 2026. PCFC confirmed that its regulatory arm Trakhees will provide streamlined licensing and inspection procedures for merchants. Dragon Mart hosts 3,051 retail outlets and attracts over 22 million visitors each year.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
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Oman and wider Middle East transit routes
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Qatar
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North Sinai, Egypt-Libya border, South Sinai, Rafah crossing, Taba crossing
Official travel advisory
Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
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Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
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